After barely missing out last season, the boys’ bowling team is looking to get back to the state finals for the first time since 2022, which was the first trip in program history.
“I think just making a state would be a really good accomplishment,” said junior and returning varsity bowler, Anthony Swanson.
Over the past two years, Swanson has been a top player on the team, qualifying for state as a freshman and sophomore. In his freshman year, he narrowly missed the top 10, finishing 13th. Last year, he finished 41st.
“Individually, I want to make state again this year, and also come to the top ten for the first time,” stated Swanson.
Being in one of the more competitive areas in the state, local competition could be one of the biggest challenges the team will have to overcome in order to get to state.
The Kits’ top competitors will be Vernon Hills, which is always a strong team and won sectionals last year. GBN is also expected to be very competitive, even though they lost 3 of their top bowlers from last season.
One of the reasons why Vernon Hills is a good program is their coach, Bill Spigner, whom Swanson went to get instruction this summer to prepare for the season.
“I’ve really tried to mature my game.” Swanson added, “I’m feeling a lot better this season than last.”
The team’s biggest loss was Kaelexx Oates, who graduated last year. He was captain of last year’s team and is currently bowling at Judson University. Oates was not only a good bowler but also the team leader.
Swanson thinks that the team will be able to overcome this loss with strong performances this year from sophomore Shane Asbra and senior Michael Conroy.
“I’ve heard they [Asbra and Conroy] have been bowling all summer, so even in tryouts, I can really see they’ve improved a lot,” noted Swanson.
Swanson wants to be more of a leader this season. After losing their captain last year, that role will likely go to another returning player. Whether he is made captain or not, Swanson wants to continue on the ideals of Oates’s leadership.
“I trying to bring the attitude Kaelexx has had the past few years, kind of like a guidance person and also a hype man,” commented Swanson.
The journey to state starts November 8th, when the Kits start their season against GBN.
